Out of all the possible ways to restore your missing teeth, dental implants are considered the gold standard of tooth loss solutions. By replacing your pearly whites from root to crown, they give you back a fully functioning and natural-looking smile. However, not everyone is a candidate right away and may need some preliminary procedures to prepare their mouth for them. Read on to learn three of the most common preliminary procedures patients may need before completing their grins with dental implants.
#1. Tooth Extraction
While it may not seem the correct road to take, sometimes a patient may need one or more tooth extraction to be ready for dental implants. If a tooth is severely infected or damaged, it will have to be removed for optimal oral health. In the case of needing multiple teeth removed, it is a possibility that there needs to be more room made in the mouth for the restoration of the dental implants. In simple cases, the extractions can just be completed with a forcep. More complex issues will most likely need surgical removal. Since every person’s smile is different, your dentist will inform you of the best route to take to prepare your mouth for dental implants.
#2. Dental Bone Grafting
Dental implants’ stability and longevity can be attributed to how the implant naturally integrates with the jawbone over time. This is a process called osseointegration. Since the success of implants rests on the strength of the jaw, it is important there is enough bone density in the jawbone. If not, the implant will loosen and fail. However, if the jawbone isn’t strong enough for a dental implant, all is not lost! A bone grafting procedure can be done to strengthen it. By building the bone back up to sufficient density, your mouth will be ready for a new smile with dental implants!
#3. Sinus Lifts
Similar to dental bone grafting, a sinus lift can be needed to increase the bone structure between the jawbone and the sinus cavity. When dental implants need to replace a molar or premolar in the upper part of the mouth, the area needs to not only be strong enough but there needs to be enough room for the implant. If there is not enough bone density in the upper jaw or not sufficient height between the jawbone and sinus cavity, a sinus lift will be necessary.
If you have a gapped smile, dental implants may be the best solution for you to complete it! By visiting your dentist for a consultation, they can assist you on the journey toward a complete set of teeth, even if that includes a preliminary procedure.
About the Author
Dr. Ray Bollin and his team at Sunset Avenue Dental are eager to help you keep your smile whole, healthy, and beautiful. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and has additional certifications in dental implants and sinus lift surgery. With the use of advanced dental technology and customized plans, he can restore your teeth with implants by conveniently placing them in-house. To schedule a consultation, contact him through his website or call (479) 419-9991.